The Student Room Group

UWE or Cardiff?

Hi everyone, I'm due to start my Diagnostic Radiography course this September and I'm struggling on deciding where to study.

I currently hold a fulfilled conditional offer from UWE, however I have been considering applying to Cardiff through clearing. Of course, a clearing space isn't guaranteed at the moment, but in the scenario where they do offer me a space, is it worth giving up my place in UWE?

I'm mainly hesitating due to the long string of fumbles the Cardiff Uni administration have sewn this year; their reputation just doesn't stand up to me the same way it would have a few years ago. I do worry, if they chose to cut nursing down of all things, what's stopping them from suddenly deciding to do the same to their other healthcare courses? Additionally, having gone to both universities' open days, I much prefer the newer and smaller facilities in UWE, than what I saw in Cardiff. I have had a better impression of the staff and students at UWE compared to Cardiff as well, but that is just a first impression, which isn't always accurate. Staying in Cardiff would allow me to save money as I can avoid moving to halls, and I would be able to continue supporting my family, but I do need to consider my own future in this.

To cut my rambling short, I just wanted to know if any Cardiff and UWE DRad students could weigh in and share their experiences, preferably if it was recent study, in order to help me make up my mind ;-; Thanks so much in advance for any responses!
(edited 9 months ago)

Reply 1

Original post
by global_astro
Hi everyone, I'm due to start my Diagnostic Radiography course this September and I'm struggling on deciding where to study.
I currently hold a fulfilled conditional offer from UWE, however I have been considering applying to Cardiff through clearing. Of course, a clearing space isn't guaranteed at the moment, but in the scenario where they do offer me a space, is it worth giving up my place in UWE?
I'm mainly hesitating due to the long string of fumbles the Cardiff Uni administration have sewn this year; their reputation just doesn't stand up to me the same way it would have a few years ago. I do worry, if they chose to cut nursing down of all things, what's stopping them from suddenly deciding to do the same to their other healthcare courses? Additionally, having gone to both universities' open days, I much prefer the newer and smaller facilities in UWE, than what I saw in Cardiff. I have had a better impression of the staff and students at UWE compared to Cardiff as well, but that is just a first impression, which isn't always accurate. Staying in Cardiff would allow me to save money as I can avoid moving to halls, and I would be able to continue supporting my family, but I do need to consider my own future in this.
To cut my rambling short, I just wanted to know if any Cardiff and UWE DRad students could weigh in and share their experiences, preferably if it was recent study, in order to help me make up my mind ;-; Thanks so much in advance for any responses!

Going by the state of the health care system in Wales, which is way worse than England across pretty much every matrix, I'd stay with UWE (look up NHS Wales v NHS England). This matters as you'll be doing clinical work in hospitals. I know someone who is foing a nursing degree at UWE and it is going very well.

Plus all the issues you've mentioned do not bode well and are red flags.

Good luck with your decision.

Reply 2

Original post
by global_astro
Hi everyone, I'm due to start my Diagnostic Radiography course this September and I'm struggling on deciding where to study.

I currently hold a fulfilled conditional offer from UWE, however I have been considering applying to Cardiff through clearing. Of course, a clearing space isn't guaranteed at the moment, but in the scenario where they do offer me a space, is it worth giving up my place in UWE?

I'm mainly hesitating due to the long string of fumbles the Cardiff Uni administration have sewn this year; their reputation just doesn't stand up to me the same way it would have a few years ago. I do worry, if they chose to cut nursing down of all things, what's stopping them from suddenly deciding to do the same to their other healthcare courses? Additionally, having gone to both universities' open days, I much prefer the newer and smaller facilities in UWE, than what I saw in Cardiff. I have had a better impression of the staff and students at UWE compared to Cardiff as well, but that is just a first impression, which isn't always accurate. Staying in Cardiff would allow me to save money as I can avoid moving to halls, and I would be able to continue supporting my family, but I do need to consider my own future in this.

To cut my rambling short, I just wanted to know if any Cardiff and UWE DRad students could weigh in and share their experiences, preferably if it was recent study, in order to help me make up my mind ;-; Thanks so much in advance for any responses!


Do you normally live in Wales or England (I'm asking this as it has a big impact on the funding you receive for healthcare courses)?

Reply 3

Original post
by normaw
Do you normally live in Wales or England (I'm asking this as it has a big impact on the funding you receive for healthcare courses)?

I normally live in Wales, so I will be eligible for the NHS Wales Bursary. The deal is fantastic, of course, but I am hesitant to tie myself up in a 2-year work contract with the NHS.

Reply 4

Original post
by global_astro
I normally live in Wales, so I will be eligible for the NHS Wales Bursary. The deal is fantastic, of course, but I am hesitant to tie myself up in a 2-year work contract with the NHS.


You will be eligible to apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund if you study in England - so that's the training grant of £5k per year plus the £1k per year special subject payment for DR. This would go some way to offset your accommodation costs at UWE. You are also able to claim for additional accommodation and travel expenses associated with placements. But be aware that there is a shortage of student accommodation in Bristol and prices are high.

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund-lsf

Reply 5

Original post
by normaw
You will be eligible to apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund if you study in England - so that's the training grant of £5k per year plus the £1k per year special subject payment for DR. This would go some way to offset your accommodation costs at UWE. You are also able to claim for additional accommodation and travel expenses associated with placements. But be aware that there is a shortage of student accommodation in Bristol and prices are high.
https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund-lsf

Yes, I have applied for NHS England's Learner Support Fund, it would be foolish of me to skip over it with the state of living costs at the moment.

The accomodation situation in Bristol is definitely worrying though. I would like to have that opportunity of independent living, away from family, but I suppose it's not worth it if I end up spending all my time worrying about making rent or whether I'll find a new place during 2nd and 3rd year.

Reply 6

UWE.
Excellent for all Allied Health subjects.

Cardiff.
In financial trouble and has already ditched its Nursing course.

Reply 7

Original post
by global_astro
Yes, I have applied for NHS England's Learner Support Fund, it would be foolish of me to skip over it with the state of living costs at the moment.
The accomodation situation in Bristol is definitely worrying though. I would like to have that opportunity of independent living, away from family, but I suppose it's not worth it if I end up spending all my time worrying about making rent or whether I'll find a new place during 2nd and 3rd year.

Accom in Bristol - vastly better than it was a few years ago,
And UWE is out in the suburbs, so students don't rely on just the central city accomodation.

Reply 8

Original post
by global_astro
Hi everyone, I'm due to start my Diagnostic Radiography course this September and I'm struggling on deciding where to study.
I currently hold a fulfilled conditional offer from UWE, however I have been considering applying to Cardiff through clearing. Of course, a clearing space isn't guaranteed at the moment, but in the scenario where they do offer me a space, is it worth giving up my place in UWE?
I'm mainly hesitating due to the long string of fumbles the Cardiff Uni administration have sewn this year; their reputation just doesn't stand up to me the same way it would have a few years ago. I do worry, if they chose to cut nursing down of all things, what's stopping them from suddenly deciding to do the same to their other healthcare courses? Additionally, having gone to both universities' open days, I much prefer the newer and smaller facilities in UWE, than what I saw in Cardiff. I have had a better impression of the staff and students at UWE compared to Cardiff as well, but that is just a first impression, which isn't always accurate. Staying in Cardiff would allow me to save money as I can avoid moving to halls, and I would be able to continue supporting my family, but I do need to consider my own future in this.
To cut my rambling short, I just wanted to know if any Cardiff and UWE DRad students could weigh in and share their experiences, preferably if it was recent study, in order to help me make up my mind ;-; Thanks so much in advance for any responses!

Hey @global_astro,

First of all, congrats on the offer!

I don’t study this subject myself, but I have a few friends studying healthcare subjects who really love the Glenside campus and its facilities and have had a really positive experience overall.

There is plenty of support from the university for healthcare students, as well as a UWE healthcare society to meet other likeminded students.

It’s also totally fair that you're considering factors like accomodation cost and supporting your family. That said, I think for me, halls was a great way to integrate into university life and meet lifelong friends. Glenside and Frenchay accommodation is also conveniently located near 2 train stations which have quick 30 ish minutes trains back to Cardiff. A lot of my friends from do this on weekends to see their family and friends from home.

From your message, it sounds like you had a really positive first impression of UWE which is great to hear! I’ve felt really happy with the university’s support and teaching since joining last September, and Bristol feels like home to me now.

Hope to see you in September!

From Cara
1st year student

Reply 9

Original post
by global_astro
Hi everyone, I'm due to start my Diagnostic Radiography course this September and I'm struggling on deciding where to study.
I currently hold a fulfilled conditional offer from UWE, however I have been considering applying to Cardiff through clearing. Of course, a clearing space isn't guaranteed at the moment, but in the scenario where they do offer me a space, is it worth giving up my place in UWE?
I'm mainly hesitating due to the long string of fumbles the Cardiff Uni administration have sewn this year; their reputation just doesn't stand up to me the same way it would have a few years ago. I do worry, if they chose to cut nursing down of all things, what's stopping them from suddenly deciding to do the same to their other healthcare courses? Additionally, having gone to both universities' open days, I much prefer the newer and smaller facilities in UWE, than what I saw in Cardiff. I have had a better impression of the staff and students at UWE compared to Cardiff as well, but that is just a first impression, which isn't always accurate. Staying in Cardiff would allow me to save money as I can avoid moving to halls, and I would be able to continue supporting my family, but I do need to consider my own future in this.
To cut my rambling short, I just wanted to know if any Cardiff and UWE DRad students could weigh in and share their experiences, preferably if it was recent study, in order to help me make up my mind ;-; Thanks so much in advance for any responses!

Hi there,

Cardiff University student here!

I'm sorry about your experiences with administration! I totally get the worry with all the news about cuts - it can be pretty nerve-wracking as a prospective student! I will say though, these are changes that are happening across most UK universities. Most stuff you hear will generally just be proposals or speculation, not facts, and no actual decision has been made yet. In fact, the university is not cutting any of their nursing courses, as seen on this article.

If it is at all reassuring, the initial proposals didn't mention School of Healthcare Sciences (which Diagnostic Radiography belongs in), so it's unlikely that much will change with the course :smile:

Cardiff and UWE are both great universities, and it all depends on personal preference! My best recommendation is to pause and reflect, and think about it. You've got loads of time to weigh up the pros and cons of each uni. First impressions are often a difficult way to make a decision - I recommend looking at other things, aspect to the university such as the course structure, student life, student support etc. It's not a decision you have to make right now - in fact, even when I met my firm choice's offer during results day, I still sat with my friends in my school and went through clearing options, just in case :smile:

If you had any specific questions about Cardiff though, I would be more than happy to help! :biggrin:

~ Fatiha, Cardiff University Student Rep

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